How to remove Files Download Tool from a browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Files Download Tool?
Files Download Tool is an application that supposedly allows users to keep track of downloads and manage or create new downloads. After testing this app, we found that it shows unwanted advertisements. For this reason, we classified Files Download Tool as adware. Our team discovered this browser extension on an untrustworthy page.
Files Download Tool in detail
Files Download Tool generates banners, coupons, pop-ups, surveys, etc., to promote questionable (potentially malicious) pages and applications. Those ads may open technical support scam pages, phishing sites, or even malicious websites. Also, ads displayed by Files Download Tool may cause unexpected downloads and installations.
Additionally, Files Download Tool can read and change data on all websites. Its developers may misuse accessed information in various ways (e.g., they may sell it to third parties or use it for marketing purposes). Thus, it is recommended not to trust the Files Download Tool application/browser extension.
| Name | Ads by Files Download Tool |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware in general
Adware displays unwanted advertisements and can change the browser's settings and use a browser to collect browsing history and other data. It is common for adware to be promoted as useful software. However, even when adware includes some features/tools, it still generates ads.
More adware examples are No-Light, Easy-Eye, and Light-Free.
How did adware install on my computer?
At least two websites are promoting/distributing the Files Download Tool browser extension. This app gets added to a browser after following the instructions on those pages. It is worth mentioning that one of those pages claims that it might be required to add the Files Download Tool for an unspecified reason.
Also, users install adware via fake installers, software bundles, and untrustworthy advertisements. Typically, software bundled with adware has "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual", or other settings. Adware gets installed when installations are finished without changing the aforementioned settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from official websites and legitimate stores. Do not use shady pages, third-party stores or downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources to download them. Never agree to receive notifications from questionable websites or trust advertisements appearing on pages of this kind.
Always check installers (and downloaders) for unwanted applications and deselect them before completing installations (or downloads). If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
A deceptive page promoting Files Download Tool:
Another page promoting Files Download Tool:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Files Download Tool?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Files Download Tool adware using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Files Download Tool" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by files download tool, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by files download tool removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by files download tool, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can slow down a computer, show intrusive ads concealing the contents of visited pages, and make the Internet browsing experience slower.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates revenue for its developers by showing advertisements.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers typically generate revenue via affiliate programs. They get paid commission for promoting products, websites, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Files Download Tool adware?
Combo Cleaner can remove adware and other unwanted software. It is recommended to remove adware automatically because it can be difficult to achieve it manually. Components belonging to adware might remain present even after (manual) removal.
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